Manchester United extended their perfect start to the season with a 1-0 away win at Villa Park. It was yet another humdrum display from the Red Devils in a game devoid of flair and excitement, but Adnan Januzaj rewarded his manager’s faith by scoring with a classy finish to propel United to the top of the pile.
Louis van Gaal decided to throw the 20-year old Belgian into the limelight in a No.10 role, and the Belgian was quick to remind United fans of his ability with his first United goal in over a year.
Let’s take a look at how the United players fared last night as they overcame a resilient Villa side.
Sergio Romero – 6.5
Barely tested with crosses or shots, but looked a little shaky with the ball at his feet.
Matteo Darmian – 6.5
Solid as ever at right back. Aggressive in one-on-one challenges and rarely caught out of position.
Chris Smalling – 7
Looks a far mature defender and this could be the season Smalling cements his place in the United lineup. Excellent interception to deny Jordan Ayew.
Daley Blind – 6.5
Looked composed even in the aerial challenges, but remains to be seen whether Blind can sustain the good form over the course of the season.
Luke Shaw – 6.5
Kept things tidy down the left side and provided an attacking outlet. Looks a great prospect for the future.
Michael Carrick – 6.5
Carrick sat at the base of United’s midfield and kept things ticking along, allowing United to take control in the middle of the park.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 6.5
Strong presence in central midfield for United. Could make the difference for the Red Devils this season.
Juan Mata – 7.5
The only bright spark for United in an attacking sense. A delightfully weighted pass to find Januzaj inside the box for the goal and excellent vision for the through pass to Memphis later on.
Adnan Januzaj – 7
Looked sloppy early on but excellent composure for the goal. Can thrive in a No.10 role this season.
Memphis Depay – 6
Cut a frustrated figure, missing a glorious chance after Juan Mata played him in. Set pieces need to be of better quality.
Wayne Rooney – 5
The worst performance from the England and United skipper in a long time. Dreadful control and sloppy passing, lacked the mobility of a lone striker and barely had a touch in the Villa box.
Substitutes –
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 6
Calmed things down after his arrival with silky touches and excellent presence of mind to find the right passes.
Ander Herrera – 5
Refreshed the United midfield with his busy style.
Ashley Young – NA
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